Even though only 24% of video game players are aged 6-17, we know that responsible gameplay conversations should be part of children’s playtime experience. ‘Seize The Controls,’ a public awareness campaign launched last year alongside long-running ISFE national education campaigns, was created to provide parents and guardians with the support and confidence they need to manage responsible video gameplay and make it a positive, fun pastime for all.
“Video games play a large role in many people’s daily lives as a way of entertainment, connection, and learning, so it’s important that we jointly agree with children on rules regarding what they play, how they play, and for how long they play. Our goal is not to control children and their gameplay habits, but to help to empower them to be good digital citizens – and to play our part in making sure parents and players are aware of the easy-to-use tools and controls that are readily available to them.”
Simon Little, CEO ISFE
ISFE’s national members across Europe invest heavily in responsible gameplay information initiatives directed to their national populations in their native languages, and many of them will be communicating #SeizeTheControls locally. Furthermore, the industry encourages everyone to use the tools to manage screentime, spend and online interaction, for example, and to pay attention to the PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) content descriptors and age ratings, which inform parents about the content of a game, whether or not it contains the opportunity to make in-game purchases and the appropriate age for the player, at the point of purchase.
The Seize the Controls campaign can be accessed here.
Find out more about the work of the Insafe network at www.betterinternetforkids.eu and connect with your local Safer Internet Centre via www.betterinternetforkids.eu/sic. Safer Internet Day (SID) 2022 will take place on Tuesday, 8 February 2022, encouraging all stakeholders to join “Together for a better internet” through a range of activities, initiatives and campaigns. Find out more at www.saferinternetday.org. Find out more about ISFE’s plans for Safer Internet Day 2023 at www.saferinternetday.org/supporters/isfe.
Since 1998, ISFE has ensured that the voice of a responsible games ecosystem is heard and understood, that its creative and economic potential is supported and celebrated, and that players around the world continue to enjoy great video game playing experiences. ISFE represents the video games industry in Europe and is based in Brussels, Belgium. Our membership comprises national trade associations in 18 countries across Europe which represent in turn thousands of developers and publishers at national level. ISFE also has as direct members the leading European and international video game companies.
